The rapid rise of computers and microelectronics since the 1960s is often described as the “third industrial revolution”. In East Germany, the name Robotron became closely associated with this transformative technology, which reshaped every sector of the economy. Revisiting the history of this state-owned enterprise highlights not only the technical possibilities and societal hopes it carried, but also the political and economic contradictions that ultimately contributed to the collapse of East Germany. Bringing together photographs, films, installations, and graphic works – some created in the GDR – the exhibition explores the transformation of the industrial landscape in East Germany.
At the closing, we will present the book accompanying the exhibition – hot off the press. Designed by Wolfgang Schwärzler. Edited by Inke Arns, Sabine Weier, Jan Wenzel and Franciska Zólyom.